If anyone deserves the title 'The Book Woman of India,' it would be Hemu Ramaiah, the lady who revolutionised the book-buying and reading experience in India.
When she started the bookstore Landmark in Chennai in 1987 with Rs 12 lakh (Rs 1.2 million) and 18 employees, there was only one Higginbothams in Chennai. There was no Crosswords or Odyssey or any such book store in India.
Now, 21 years later, Landmark has become a landmark as far as book stores are concerned. With 18 stores all over India and a brand worth more than Rs 240 crore (Rs 2.40 billion), Landmark is a shining example of stellar entrepreneurship.
In 2003, her brother Nataraj Ramaiah sold his 76 per cent stake in the company to Tata's Trent while she held on to her 24 per cent. A few days ago, she also sold her 24 per cent to Tata's Trent and withdrew completely from Landmark.
In this interview, Hemu talks about how Landmark was born, how she feels to leave her baby behind and her future plans.
Read on for the unique successful story of a courageous entrepreneur.
Text: Shobha Warrier
Image: Hemu Ramaiah, who founded Landmark and then sold her stake off to Trent, is now a consultant for aspiring entrepreneurs. Photograph: Sreeram Selvaraj
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